So why the wordy letter above? Because much like Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone, I’m sitting in a “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in” situation. I was convinced Christie had already told Mitt Romney “thanks, but no thanks” when it came to the vice-presidential nod. Sure, Christie has said in the past he’d “answer the call” and “listen” should the GOP candidate ask him to be his running mate.

Frankly, I thought — and still think — he was just toeing the party line. After all, it wouldn’t look so good if he came out and said something like, “Why would I want to be the vice-presidential candidate on what looks to be a losing ticket? I’ve already got huge national recognition. Fuggedaboutit.”

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Furthermore, it wasn’t but a few weeks ago at a town hall in Ocean City where Christie practically threw Romney under the jitney, saying he “wouldn’t back away” from running in 2016 if Obama was to win.

So yeah. It certainly seemed, to me, that all the “Christie for VP” talk was dead and buried. Done. All over. Maybe we wouldn’t get a singular “no” from him, but we at least had a “Sopranos”-style cut to black. It was over.

Until Thursday morning, when The Weekly Standard — a conservative magazine and website — threw Christie right back into the thick of things, stating he was one of four finalists, along with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Senator Rob Portman and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan.

Gosh, I can only hope the GOP doesn’t dose Christie this afternoon and brainwash our governor into accepting the vice-presidential nod.

Dig it: It makes sense for Pawlenty. He seems like a nice, telegenic fellow who will look wonderful at this time next year hosting “On Point with Pawlenty” on Fox News or CNBC or wherever. For Portman and Ryan, accepting the VP slot would be a huge boost to both their careers, as I’m quite confident the vast majority of America — present company included — have no idea who they are.

But Christie? Everyone knows Chris Christie. He’s arguably one of the most well-known politicians right now, and would automatically give the Romney campaign a boost.

And that’s probably the line of reasoning he’s being fed — if he’s being fed — by the Romney campaign. “You can put us over the top!” they must be screaming. Why else would they want him?

Well, here’s a newsflash: He wouldn’t put Romney over the top. Take a look at any electoral projection map (also the topic of a future column): Romney is just this side of toast. Christie wouldn’t put him over the top. I’m not sure Superman would at this point.

So what’s the upside for Christie? There is none. Simple as that. And that’s why I hope he once again turns down the call from the national arm of the GOP. I’d hate to see his exciting political career get Romenyfied.